Topic-specific lesson plans provided with each episode
Through the curiosity of Teek (left), a student from the planet Queloz, and Tom (right), a NOAA climate scientist, the “Teek And Tom Explore Planet Earth” series educates kids and science enthusiasts about Earth’s ocean-weather-climate connection. (Image credit: NOAA)
An animated intergalactic student crossed the cosmos in a spaceship to learn about Earth — and, along with a helpful NOAA scientist, plunged into a new way for students to learn about and appreciate the planet’s science.
Teek and Tom Explore Planet Earth introduces a range of scientific topics, including the difference between weather and climate, wild weather extremes and how NOAA uses high-tech tools to gather data and information to better understand our planet.
The five-part series is accessible and entertaining for children and science enthusiasts of all ages, and aligns to Next Generation Science Standards offsite link for fourth, fifth and sixth grades. Coupled with educator-ready lesson plans — two for each episode — students in those intermediate grades will learn how the ocean-weather-climate connection makes the planet tick.
“Teek and Tom Explore Planet Earth provides a timely and hopeful climate narrative at a time when climate change impacts are affecting more Americans than ever before,” said NOAA Administrator Rick Spinrad, Ph.D. “The U.S. experienced record-breaking temperatures this summer, and this new series serves as a valuable tool for educators to teach the climate-savvy students of our future.”
“This new series combines the best of our scientific and educational expertise from across NOAA,” said NOAA Education Director Louisa Koch. “We know educators are eager for ready-to-go lesson plans that help them teach the ocean-weather-climate connection, and Teek and Tom provides an engaging, scientifically accurate way to inspire students.”
In addition to being an engaging classroom resource, Teek and Tom Explore Planet Earth is ideal to show in museums, aquariums and other informal learning venues where students and science enthusiasts of all ages who are curious about science go.
Watch all five Teek and Tom Explore Planet Earth videos and find more educational materials on NOAA’s Ocean Today website.
Climate, weather, and water affect all life on our ocean planet. NOAA’s mission is to understand and predict our changing environment, from the deep sea to outer space, and to manage and conserve America’s coastal and marine resources.
Media contact
Douglas E. Jessmer, douglas.jessmer@noaa.gov, 240-622-9241
